Rare industrial attack rattles Japan’s safety image after knife assault and chemical spray injure multiple workers.
A rare and disturbing act of workplace violence left 15 people injured on Friday after a knife-and-chemical attack inside a factory in central Japan, prompting a major emergency response and a swift arrest.
According to Japanese media reports, eight workers were stabbed and seven others injured after bleach was sprayed during the assault at a tire manufacturing facility in Mishima, west of Tokyo. The factory is operated by Yokohama Rubber Co., which produces tires for trucks and buses.
Local authorities said a 38-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder. Reports by Asahi Shimbun stated the suspect was carrying a survival knife and wearing a gas mask at the time of the attack, underscoring the premeditated nature of the incident.
Emergency services were alerted around 4:30 p.m. after the factory reported that multiple people had been stabbed and a “spray-like liquid” had been released. Tomoharu Sugiyama confirmed that 14 victims required transportation by emergency responders.
Japan is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely low rates of violent crime and strict weapons laws. Nonetheless, the nation has experienced sporadic attacks in recent years, including knife assaults and the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The Mishima incident has reignited debate about workplace security and mental health monitoring, particularly in industrial environments. Authorities continue to investigate the motive while ensuring the affected facility and surrounding area are secure.
